The Boldo (Peumus boldus) is the only species of the monotypic genus Peumus, from the monimiaceae family. This tree is endemic to central Chile. Its leaves, of strong aroma, are used for culinary and medicinal purposes, especially in Latin America.
The fruit of the boldo is edible, and has been consumed raw and cooked since pre-Columbian times. The bark, rich in tannins, is also used in the tannery. However, the most appreciated of its products are the leaves, used for the preparation of digestive infusions, for the treatment of the gallbladder and of the hepatic affections.
Benefits and applications of boldo
Due to its benefits, Boldo is a plant used since pre-Columbian times with very different applications, among which are, of course, the medicinal ones. Its most popular use is to treat digestive ailments, in addition to being used as a natural antiseptic and analgesic.
The infusions of boldo leaves are very useful to treat constipation in addition to favoring the expulsion of the gases, that is to say, it is recommended for those people who suffer colic and flatulencias. It also reduces the risk of gallstones and cleanses the liver.
Its diuretic and depurative properties allow to eliminate the accumulated liquids in the organism and the toxins of the blood, for that reason they usually take patients with urinary infections, nephritis and cystitis.
It is also suitable for treating insomnia thanks to its sedative properties and its ability to act on the nervous system, and the presence of cineol in its composition allows it to be applied externally to decongest the chest and relieve rheumatic complaints.
In addition to all these applications of the boldo, the sweet taste of its fruit and its lemon flavor make it a widely used spice not only as a medicinal plant but also for gastronomic purposes, especially in Chilean cuisine, where it is used in the elaboration of Typical dishes or for drinks like boldo chicho.
Not forgetting that their essential oils are also present in many different products such as perfumes or insecticides, and the tannins in their bark are often used as coloring agents. There are even those who use the dried fruits of the boldo for the realization of crafts or costume jewelery.
Aperitive, choleretic and cholagogic properties
Because of its appetite, choleretic and cholagogic properties, boldo infusion is especially indicated to treat all types of digestive disorders, since it stimulates the production of bile. In this respect, the main properties of boldo are:
Dyspepsia,
Flatulence,
Dysfunctions of the liver and gallbladder,
high cholesterol.
A separate comment deserve the properties of the boldo to lose weight, which are closely related to the digestive benefits of the Peumus Boldus plant.
However, these are not the only properties of boldo for health. Learn more about what the boldo is for.
Anti-inflammatory and sedative properties
Because it contains ascaridol, boldo infusion has analgesic and sedative benefits. So you can use it in the following cases:
Stomach cramps,
Inflammation of the intestines,
arthritis,
sleep disorders,
Stress and nervousness.
Antioxidant and fungicidal properties
The boldo plant has nematicidal components that make it a natural antibiotic, in addition to properties that improve the immune system. So you can take it to prevent or treat the following problems:
Viral diseases (flu, colds, etc.),
intestinal parasites,
sexually transmitted diseases,
malaria.
Precautions before eating boldo
Pregnant or lactating women should avoid the consumption of boldo or any substance containing boldo. Some compounds in the plant may thin the blood and interact with blood thinning drugs such as warfarin, so you should avoid using boldo when consuming such drugs. Its content of ascaridol, a toxic substance, prevents the boldo from being used as pure essential oil.
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